NAMM 2012: Line 6 Unveils StageScape M20d, First "Smart Mixer" for Live Sound

Today at the 2012 Winter NAMM Show uin Anaheim, California, Line 6 introduced its new StageScape M20d system, which the company calls the "the world’s first smart mixer for live sound."

StageScape M20d offers touchscreen-based visual mixing, audio processing, multi-track recording and remote control via iPad, which is one of the unofficial themes of this year's NAMM show.

DSP power delivers professional audio processing on every channel, including multi-band feedback suppression. Multi-channel recording, remote control capabilities via one or more iPad and pristine audio quality make the StageScape M20d an ideal mixing solution for a variety of live sound applications.

“For musicians who take care of their own live sound, getting great results consistently can be a time-consuming and frustrating experience -- particularly when they want to be focused on performing,” said Simon Jones, vice president of new market development at Line 6, who made the announcement at the Line 6 booth at NAMM.

A visual mixing system replaces the mixer channel strip with touchscreen control. In Perform Mode, a graphic display of the stage setup uses icons to represent each performer or input. Color-coded encoders provide immediate access to level control. A single touch on a performer’s icon gives access to all parameters relating to that channel, from basic tweaks through deep effects editing.

StageScape M20d streamlines setup with auto-sensing mic and line inputs and outputs that can detect when a connection is made and automatically configure the channel gain, EQ, effects and routing.